The Country Girl Blu-ray Review

"The Country Girl" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, featuring a meticulously restored 1080p transfer sourced from a 4K master. Despite being granted an MPEG-4 AVC encoding and presented in an aspect ratio of 1.67:1, the film's composition appears noticeably off. This is evident in its reframing from the original 1.37:1 negative to the intended widescreen scope that transitions well to a range of ratios, but here loses its compositional integrity. While the bottom of the frame mostly retains its original balance, the top shows missing visual elements causing a peculiar disequilibrium, even impacting the positioning of the film's title.

The 2023 HD Master by Paramount Pictures showcases exceptional contrast and clarity, highlighting intricate details in the various settings of the film, including the makeshift rehearsal stage and the Elgins’ modest apartment. The black-and-white visuals benefit greatly from stronger organic qualities, offering robust textures that cater well to historical authenticity and atmospheric depth. The imagery reveals thoughtful nuances, such as Grace Kelly's makeup that subdues her iconic beauty for a more restrained look, enhancing the narrative's demands. These meticulous visual refinements, however, are somewhat overshadowed by the awkward aspect ratio selection, which detracts from an otherwise commendable high-definition presentation.

Despite these compositional peculiarities, Kino Lorber’s release still merits attention for its refined textural enhancements and authentic detail improvements from its previous editions. It's worth noting this Blu-ray is Region-A locked, necessitating compatible playback equipment for proper viewing. Overall, while it delivers outstanding picture quality in terms of visual health and sharpness, aficionados and purists might find the aspect ratio choice a minor yet palpable distraction from this classic's screening experience.

This Blu-ray release of "The Country Girl" exclusively features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature, ensuring accessibility. The quality of the lossless audio is commendable and comparable to previous releases, such as the Australian edition, exhibiting no significant disparities. Despite minor unevenness in select areas, these are inherited limitations likely from the original audio source. However, adjustments appear unnecessary as they do not detract significantly from the listening experience.

The dialogue-centric soundtrack is recorded with remarkable clarity, facilitating easy comprehension throughout the film. Music plays a poignant role, notably Victor Young’s compelling score, which supports the narrative without overshadowing it. The musical contributions of Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin, particularly in Bing Crosby's performances, enrich the auditory experience. Notable pieces include "You’ve Got What It Takes," which poignantly ties into Elgin’s storyline, evoking a sense of nostalgia, and Crosby's infectious duet with Jacqueline Fontaine on "Love and Learn Blues," reminiscent of upbeat hits like Cole Porter’s "Now You Has Jazz."

In summary, while the audio track maintains high standards consistent with the film's original production constraints, it does justice to the dialogue-driven plot and Crosby’s memorable musical renditions. This audio presentation preserves the integrity of the source material and provides a rich, engaging experience aligned with the film's emotional and narrative undertones.

The extras in the Blu-ray release of "The Country Girl" provide a comprehensive exploration of the film's themes and production nuances. The standout feature is the audio commentary by professor and film scholar Jason A. Ney, who presents an in-depth analysis of the movie’s portrayal of alcoholism and the personal dynamics between the characters, linking these intricacies to the real-life experiences of the film’s stars. Ney's detailed discussion enhances understanding of the film’s narrative choices, such as casting decisions made by Director George Seaton, who altered Frank Elgin’s character to suit Bing Crosby's musical talents. Additionally, he illuminates the cultural and historical context, touching on topics like the connection with Babe Ruth and significant themes like Oscar-worthy portrayals of addiction. Other elements such as costume design by Edith Head and the screenplay adaptations are adeptly dissected to reveal how they contributed to the film’s impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: An expansive discussion by Jason A. Ney exploring themes like alcoholism and casting choices.
• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "The Country Girl," offering a glimpse into its original promotion.

George Seaton's "The Country Girl," now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, presents a cinematic adaptation of Clifford Odets' celebrated Broadway play. The film features commanding performances by Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and William Holden, with an engaging narrative that intricately explores themes of redemption, the complexities of relationships, and the unpredictable nature of human perception. Crosby's portrayal of Frank Elgin, an aging and troubled actor taking one last shot at stardom amidst struggles with alcoholism, is notably subtle yet powerful. While not as overtly despairing as Ray Milland's character in "The Lost Weekend," Crosby brings a palpable tension through his character’s addiction, hinting at a hopeful but precarious resolution.

Grace Kelly delivers a transformative performance as Georgie Elgin, initially perceived as an ordinary woman merely supporting her husband. Her character metamorphoses throughout the film to reveal layered motivations and a steadfast resilience. Director Bernie Dodd, played by Holden, serves as the audience’s lens, gradually uncovering the true dynamics between Frank and Georgie, leading to a profound character study that defies initial perceptions. The narrative cleverly unfolds to challenge assumptions, reflective of the film's thematic depth and Hollywood's golden era magic, expertly orchestrated by Seaton.

The cinematography by John F. Warren crafts a visually compelling experience, capturing the nuanced emotional landscapes of its characters. Despite the film’s age, it remains technically impressive, with its main drawback being occasional lapses in overly polished musical sequences. Still, these moments do not significantly detract from the overall impact of the film. "The Country Girl" stands as a captivating exploration of inner conflict and interdependent relationships, though it lacks the iconic status of its contemporaries—a fact highlighted by the controversy surrounding Kelly's Academy Award win over Judy Garland. Nonetheless, for cinephiles and newcomers alike, this Blu-ray release offers a well-rounded portrait of classic Hollywood storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "The Country Girl" by Kino Lorber presents a 1954 classic that resonates with modern audiences, underscoring the timelessness of its themes and performances. The film showcases Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby in uncharacteristic roles, offering a nuanced exploration of Clifford Odets' intricate characters. Both Kelly and Crosby deliver stellar performances, with Kelly securing an Academy Award for Best Actress. Notably, the film garnered seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crosby, testament to its cinematic achievement. George Seaton's script adaptation also earned an Oscar, highlighting the film's robust narrative.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release features a widescreen presentation of "The Country Girl," sourced from a recent 4K master. There's a noticeable attention to detail in this restoration, though some reviewers have expressed mixed feelings about its effectiveness. It's advisable to evaluate the presentation on your setup to ascertain its fidelity. Nonetheless, this release offers a unique opportunity to experience the film in enhanced quality, providing a balanced mix of visual clarity and UHD resplendence.

In conclusion, "The Country Girl" stays remarkably relevant, reflecting the mark of truly exceptional cinema that transcends time. It showcases Hollywood legends at their peak, supported by a compelling screenplay and memorable performances. While the Blu-ray presentation is commendable, viewers are encouraged to preview the release firsthand. This edition not only revitalizes an old classic but reaffirms its enduring appeal in the modern cinematic landscape.